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Mais ça va, il n'y a pas le feu au lac! Have you ever met someone who is constantly rushing around in a panic? You might want to teach them this French phrase.

We look at how this saying has evolved over time and explain when to use it during casual conversations in France.

What does il n'y a pas le feu au lac mean?

This expression literally translates as ‘there is no fire on the lake’, however it is actually used to express that there is no rush or urgency.

Saying this will encourage people to slow down and chill out.

Synonyms include: 

• Il n'y a pas de quoi paniquer – There is no reason to panic

• Rien ne presse – There is no need to hurry

• Prends ton temps/prenez votre temps – Take your time.

What are the origins of il n'y a pas le feu au lac?

It dates back to the 20th Century, when the phrase was originally: il n’y a pas le feu (there is no fire).

While flames can spread quickly and require fast action to limit the damage caused, this expression, which highlights a lack of fire, suggests that no hurried response is necessary. 

The later addition of 'au lac' further reinforces this image – the water of a lake would extinguish any flames and so this (unlikely) situation would not cause urgent panic.

The lac is said to be a specific reference to Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) and stemmed from the cliché of Swiss people taking their time and having a laid-back attitude.

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When do you say il n'y a pas le feu au lac?

Say this when you are not in a hurry, or if you want someone to slow down:

• Prends ton temps, il n'y a pas le feu au lac – Take your time, what is the rush?

• Je dois terminer ma dissertation, mais la date limite est le mois prochain... il n'y a pas le feu au lac – I need to finish my dissertation but the deadline is next month… I still have time.

It can also be used to encourage people to get a move on:

• Bon, je sais qu'il n'y a pas le feu au lac, mais j'aimerais quand même arriver avant minuit – Okay, I know there is no great rush but I would still like to reach our destination before midnight.

Read more: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­: the origins and meaning of c’est le serpent qui se mord la queue

To whom do you say il n'y a pas le feu au lac?

It is a casual, sarcastic expression that you could use with friends and family.

You should probably avoid saying this to strangers, especially if they are older than you, unless using it in a playful situation. 

Depending on your tone of voice, this phrase could come across as a criticism of someone’s character or attitude towards a particular issue. You could risk making the person more stressed.